'It's unacceptable': Charges over alleged fire ban breaches
Police have charged two men who allegedly impersonated firefighters during the devastation sweeping NSW.
A man was arrested when detectives executed a search warrant on a home on Cox Road, Koonorigan, 17km north of Lismore, yesterday morning.
Police allege items with the NSW Rural Fire Service insignia on them were found along with emergency service branded equipment and helmets.
Police have charged two men for allegedly impersonating firefighters. 9News
A 36-year-old man was charged with dishonestly obtaining benefit by deception, having goods in custody suspected of being stolen and vehicle registration offences.
He was refused bail and is due to appear at Lismore Local Court today.
In a separate incident, police were called after a man dressed as a firefighter was seen riding a motorbike through the Royal National Park last night.
Officers pulled a 19-year-old man over on Farnell Avenue in Loftus at about 9.30pm.
NSW and Queensland fires: Everything you need to know
He was allegedly dressed in a NSW Fire and Rescue uniform and was charged with impersonating an emergency services worker and having goods in custody suspected of being stolen.
He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Sutherland local Court on December 4.
In the past 24 hours, an additional five people have been charged or fined for breaching the total fire ban in NSW.
As fires devastate Australia's east coast, NSW Police have called the actions of those impersonating fire crews as "Unacceptable". AAP
A 24-year-old Glenfield man is due to appear at Campbelltown Local Court after allegedly lighting candles at a campsite in Campbelltown. He was also charged with resisting arrest.
An 18-year-old man was also issued a Court Attendance Notice after allegedly lighting a barbecue in his backyard at Fingal Bay. He will appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court in January.
A 28-year-old man was issued a $2200 fine for lighting a barbecue after police were called to Hastings Parade in North Bondi.
A 26-year-old Rockdale man was also fined after he allegedly lit a fire at his home on Bay Street to dispose of rubbish.
A 23-year-old man was issued a Court Attendance Notice after allegedly lighting a backyard fire to dispose of rubbish at his home on Lancaster Road, Blacktown.
Gallery: Devastating bushfires in NSW and Queensland
Police are investigating at least three possible arson attacks after today's catastrophic fire conditions. 9News
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said it was disappointing that people were ignoring the bans in such catastrophic conditions.
"It's unacceptable that the actions of these few individuals endangered the lives and property of others, either intentionally or through ignorance," Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
"Moving forward into the bushfire season, and as police investigate these offences, we would urge the community to keep up the good work and continue to provide assistance where possible."
Several crime scenes have also been set up at bushfires on the NSW Far North Coast, South Coast as well as on Sydney's Upper North Shore as police investigate bushfires suspected of being deliberately lit.
Anyone with information that may assist police with their investigations into deliberately lit fires is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 33 000.
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